Take Cover Takes Over in PA Governor's Cup

Veteran Ben's Cat was upstaged by a youngster who looks to have a good future ahead of him June 4 in the $150,000 Pennsylvania Governor's Cup at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course.

Charging to his third straight victory and picking up his first stakes score, that youngster, Take Cover, took over in the five-furlong turf sprint while Ben's Cat finished third. 

The race was a first step into stakes competition for Take Cover, a 4-year-old War Front   runner trained by Alan Goldberg for Colt's Neck Stables. Although it took him six starts with a few gaps between races before he broke his maiden, the dark bay colt is undefeated since finally finding the winner's circle for the first time March 4 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. An April 29 allowance win at Laurel Park proved a stepping-stone to next-level success, which Take Cover achieved in the Governor's Cup under jockey Joe Bravo.

Take Cover closed from fourth after rating behind opening fractions of :22.54 and :44.66 set by Spring to the Sky and Boot Scootn Daddy. He swung out as the field turned for home and passed the leaders en route to a final time of :56 flat on firm turf. Spring to the Sky held for second, while Ben's Cat—favored at 6-5 in the seven-horse field—managed a mild rally from fifth to third.

Fourth-choice at odds of 9-2, the winner returned $11, $5.60, and $3. Spring to the Sky brought $5.80 and $2.60. Ben's Cat returned $2.10.

Take Cover was bred in Kentucky by Padua Stables out of the Farma Way mare Juliet's Way. He was a private purchase by Colt's Neck after failing to meet his reserve for $320,000 at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale in 2012 when consigned by Three Chimneys Farm.